Spokane Arson Suspect Planned Devastating Wildfire for Weeks, Police Say

A man charged with igniting a devastating wildfire in Spokane, Washington, has confessed to meticulously planning the blaze for weeks, even constructing a device to ensure its ignition. Aaron Farinacci told investigators he researched optimal weather conditions – high winds, low humidity, and heat – to maximize the fire's destructive potential for what became known as the Old Trails Fire.

“

fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth.

According to Spokane County Detective Michael Drapeau, Farinacci researched the methods of a known serial arsonist and assembled a "time delay device" using simple materials like notebook paper, matches, a cigarette, and a rubber band. Drapeau's court filing reveals Farinacci's philosophical justification for his actions, stating that "fire is powerful, beautiful, and that things that go through fire experience a kind of rebirth."

“

it was gonna get bad

Farinacci selected August 1 to start the fire, anticipating strong winds that reached up to 50 mph. While he claimed he did not intend for the fire to become as large as it did, he admitted to choosing a location because he knew "it was gonna get bad." The Old Trails Fire is one of three blazes that have ravaged the Spokane area, resulting in the damage or destruction of at least 913 structures, with 694 of those attributed to the Old Trails Fire alone.

“

He was bent over in the brush, acting nervous. You get the feeling this guy's up to something.

Farinacci appeared in court on Thursday to face multiple arson charges, entering no plea. His bail was increased to $2 million. His attorney, Colin Charbonneau, has not yet commented on the case. Farinacci has a previous manslaughter conviction. The investigation gained a crucial lead from Paul Child, 64, who observed Farinacci acting suspiciously near railroad tracks shortly before the fires broke out. Child's timely observation and subsequent report to authorities were instrumental in leading police to Farinacci.

“

No longer than 10 minutes after I got home, my daughter says, 'There's a fire.' My first words were, 'That SOB started a fire!' It was the exact spot where he was standing.